Trimble GPS Clock Counts Down the Next 50 Years in Singapore

SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 17, 2000 -- The official "Millennium Time Capsule" in Singapore for the 20th century was sealed on the grounds of the City's History Museum on Dec. 1, 1999. Trimble's (NASDAQ:TRMB) Global Positioning System (GPS) clock sits atop a specially commissioned steel sculpture to count down the next 50 years until the time capsule is opened in 2050.

The Singapore History Museum was tasked by the Ministry of Information and Arts to install the "Millennium Time Capsule" as a national event for the Millennium celebrations. Communications and Information Technology Minister Yeo Cheow Tong sealed the time capsule. It contained 50 artifacts that are significant and represent life in Singapore. The artifacts include "The Singapore Story: Memoirs by Lee Kuan Lew," a pair of blue jeans, a mobile phone, compact disc and currency. A sculpture was built as a landmark to enhance the visibility of the time capsule. The work of art, by Sun Yi-Li, incorporates Trimble's PalisadeTM GPS smart antenna, which provides the sculpture's clock with precise time information. The GPS clock not only ushered in the Millennium, but it serves as the official timepiece to count down the next 50 years until the time capsule is opened in 2050.

Trimble's Palisade is an integrated timing system that combines an 8-channel receiver and GPS antenna in an enclosed unit. It provides accurate synchronization and frequency control for wireless voice and data networks for optimal operation. The Palisade generates a Pulse-Per-Second (PPS) synchronized to UTC within +/- 100 nanoseconds (one sigma). The smart antenna's design provides plug-in integration. Based on Trimble's high performance GPS technology, the Palisade's architecture offers unparalleled timing performance with outstanding immunity to jamming signals. This advanced anti-jamming feature enables the smart antenna to perform perfectly even in the presence of powerful transmitters.

About Trimble

Trimble is a world leader in designing and developing innovative products enabled by GPS technology. The company provides end-user and OEM solutions for diverse applications including surveying, mapping/GIS, agriculture, construction, mining, military, commercial aviation, automotive, vehicle tracking and timing. Founded in 1978, Trimble now holds more than 250 U.S. patents on GPS and related technology, with over 200 additional patents pending. Located in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has been adding value to GPS since 1984.